Electrochemical Polishing of Silverware: A Demonstration of Voltaic and Galvanic CellsMichelle M. Ivey and Eugene T. SmithUsing a battery and a graphite electrode, an electrolytic cell is constructed to generate a layer of tarnish on silverware. Students then determine that the tarnish can be removed by electrochemically converting it back to silver using aluminum foil and baking soda.Ivey, Michelle M.; Smith, Eugene T. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 68.

Consumer Chemistry |

Electrochemistry |

Electrolytic / Galvanic Cells / Potentials

The Different Periodic Tables of Dmitrii MendeleevMichael LaingBetween 1869 and 1905 the Russian chemist Dmitrii Mendeleev published several tables with different arrangements of the chemical elements. Four of these are compared with periodic tables by Russian scientists from 1934 and 1969.Laing, Michael. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 63.

Measurement of the Isotopic Ratio of 10B/11B in NaBH4 by 1H NMRMurray Zanger and Guillermo MoynaA simple and remarkably accurate method for estimating the isotopic ratio between 10B and 11B through the use of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is presented. The experiment relies on the splitting caused by 10B (I = 3) and 11B (I = 3/2) on the 1H signal of a proton directly bound to boron, a phenomenon readily observed on an aqueous sample of NaBH4. In combination with a brief lecture or prelaboratory presentation, this laboratory can serve to introduce students to magnetic properties as well as theoretical and experimental aspects of NMR spectroscopy as early as the freshman-level chemistry. Zanger, Murray; Moyna, Guillermo. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1390.

Instrumental Methods |

Magnetic Properties |

NMR Spectroscopy |

Atomic Properties / Structure |

Isotopes

Boron ClustersWilliam F. ColemanThe review paper by Russell N. Grimes on boron clusters reminds us both of the past impact that these interesting structures have had on the development of our understanding of cluster chemistry and on the future development of what one might refer to as "post-fullerene" clusters.Coleman, William F. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 768.

Boron Clusters Come of AgeRussell N. GrimesThis article attempts to summarize the current state of the art, illustrated by examples selected to convey some of the excitement and possibilities for future exploitation of these remarkable compounds. Grimes, Russell N. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 657.

Ammonia Can CrushEd VitzWhen a 12-oz aluminum soft drink can filled with ammonia or hydrogen chloride gas is inverted and dipped into water, the rapidly dissolving gas evacuates the can and the can is crushed before water can be drawn into it. This demonstrates, among other things, the remarkable strength of hydrogen bonds. Vitz, Ed. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 932.

Noncovalent Interactions |

Gases |

Solutions / Solvents |

Hydrogen Bonding

Microscale Thermite ReactionsFrancisco J. Arnáiz, Rafael Aguado, and Susana ArnáizThe reaction of aluminum with the oxides of a variety of elements illustrates exothermic reactions that require a high activation energy. It is also an appropriate experiment with regard to the discussion of Ellingham diagrams. When drama is not the main objective, conducting these reactions at microscale level offers numerous advantages over the usual scale. Arnáiz, Francisco J.; Aguado, Rafael; Arnáiz, Susana. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1630.

The Comparative Performance of Batteries: The Lead-Acid and the Aluminum-Air CellsXavier LeRoux, Gerry A. Ottewill, and Frank C. WalshAn experimental program designed to convey, to students aged 16 through undergraduate, the principles of battery electrochemistry through a comparative study of two different systems, the lead acid cell and aluminum air cell, is described. LeRoux, Xavier; Ottewill, Gerry A.; Walsh, Frank C. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 811.

Electrochemistry |

Electrolytic / Galvanic Cells / Potentials |

Applications of Chemistry

Reduction of Viologen Bisphosphonate Dihalide with Aluminum FoilPeter Abeta IyereAn elegant undergraduate experiment similar to the popular "Iodine Clock Reaction" employs the reduction of methyl viologen by hydroxide ion. This demonstration can be used as prelaboratory discussion for an undergraduate kinetic experiment based on the same phenomenon.Iyere, Peter Abeta. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 455.

Questions from a can of PepsiMitchell, TonyA can of Pepsi can be the starting point of countless chemistry questions that students can relate to. The author encourages other instructors to think about helping students understand chemistry as it relates to contemporary society.Mitchell, Tony J. Chem. Educ.1988, 65, 1070.

A spot test analysis of the group III cationsMarion, Stephen P.; Zlochower, IsaacThis procedure may be used for the direct determination of the group III cations, for a quick confirmation of the results obtained in the regular scheme of analysis, or for teaching another technique in analytical chemistry.Marion, Stephen P.; Zlochower, Isaac J. Chem. Educ.1959, 36, 379.